Oct. 3-Nov. 23 Shiga Prefecture is known for supporting a number of talented art brut artists — those who have not received formal artistic education. The term “art brut” was originally coined by the French painter Jean Dubuffet (1901-1985) as a term to describe ...

Embattled Lower House lawmaker Takaya Muto on Wednesday dismissed an allegation that he was involved in investment fraud and said he had no plans to resign from the Diet. A recent issue of weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun reported that Muto had asked an acquaintance ...

What’s in a name? For Shiga Prefecture, it’s a question of identity, and one that residents will have a formal opportunity to consider changing next month. Shiga Gov. Taizo Mikazuki said Monday the prefecture will conduct a survey in June of 3,000 residents, asking ...

Home for Rebecca Otowa is a 350-year-old farmhouse nestled on the edge of a tiny village in Shiga Prefecture, where generations of her husband's family have lived. It is a lifestyle she has grown to cherish since arriving in rural Kansai as a bride ...